2016 SHORINJIRYU KOSHINKAI NATIONAL TRAINING CAMP

Over the three days of 29th/30th April and 1st May 2016, dojo of Shornjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo gathered at the Coffs Harbour Adventure Centre Camp 2016 National Training Camp (Gasshuku 合宿)

Members from Seiryukan (Bribie Island), Kensuukan (Coonabarabran), Kengokan (Darwin), Chuzankan (Blue Mountains), Shishikan (Sth Brisbane), Kazoku (Murgon) and the Newcastle Dojo, travelled to a new venue in Coffs Harbour for our National training Camp. History shows that our camps have previously been held in Coffs Harbour, so it was with some nostalgic feelings that we have returned to this location after so many years.

Our camp kicked off on Friday with the senior members (Brown and Black belts) working through the Sankakutobi Sandan series led by Tasshi Tony under guidance by Kyoshi Jim, Shihan Max and Shihan Des. Following this, Kyoshi Jim took a session on Kusanku Dai while jointly, Shihan Max took a class on kata Chinto and Shihan Des took another group on kata Sochin. Rounding out the day, Kyoshi Jim and Shihan Max took lessons on Renzoku Kansetsu waza followed closely by Shian Des and Tasshi Dean taking us through Renzoku Shime waza.

After dinner on the Friday evening, the Australian Shorinjiryu Karatedo Assoc (ASKA) Inc, held it's Annual General Meeting. Various topics were discussed including the tabling of the dojo reports from the respective instructors, plus the Presidents and Treasurers reports. The National Executive positions were declared vacant, nominations from the floor were called and new elections were conducted. The following were nominated and elected to the National Executive Committee for 2016/2017:

• President: Des Paroz
• Vice President: Tony Fletcher
• Treasurer: Jim Griffin
• Secretary: Lesley Griffin
• Councillor: Max Estens

Saturday's early morning start saw members participate in the Koshinkai Fitness test as part of the requirement for Yudansha testing. It was great to see everyone, from Kyoshi Jim down to our new white belts band together, supporting each other as they went through the fitness test. After a healthy breakfast, the formal camp started with the official welcomes and bow in by our Chief Instructors, Kyoshi Jim Griffin and Shihan Max Estens.

The mornings activities commenced with Tasshi Dean and Sensei Leanne taking the group through Gorin no Bo. This was then followed by a Bunkai session of Gorin no Bo against Sword, Sai, Empty Hand and Bo. This was a very interesting workshop and produced some exciting demonstrations which each group performed to the entire camp.

Randori Go and Kata Nijushiho were next on the training schedule with Shihan Des and Shihan Max then taking the class through another bunkai session of Nijushiho with the Tanbo. Again, these workshops were very informative, interesting and exciting.

The afternoon training continued, broke for the evening meal and then moved into the Yudansha grading. We are pleased to announce the following promotions: 

• Tony Fletcher promoted to Godan, 5th Degree Black Belt
• Travis Foss promoted to Sandan, 3rd Degree Black Belt
• Jaren Foss promoted to Nidan, 2nd Degree Black Belt
• Owen Brest promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt
• Leisa Dunmore, promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt
• Eugenie Martin promoted to Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt
• Sam Dennien promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Shodan Ho)
• Bill Bohan, promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Shodan Ho)
• Teagan Divljak, promoted to Probationary Black Belt (Junior Shodan Ho)  

Additionally, we also congratulate Shihan Max Estens for being awarded the Honourable title of Kyoshi. Congratulations Kyoshi Max.

After a 15 hour day, weary but excited and happy people made the trek to the showers and much needed rest.

Sunday saw another early start before breakfast with some members participating in the 5km walk as part of the fitness test while others attended an introductory session lead by Shihan Des on Goho no Tanbo. Following breakfast, the Goho no Tanbo lesson continued with Shihan Des working through the kata and technicalities of the movements.

Shihan Des introduced Hakkyokuken Bunkai and along with Kyoshi Jim and Kyoshi Max led the group through this workshop. Shihan Des then introduced kata Hakkyokuken to the delight of everyone. This was something new and exciting and we all threw ourselves into this culminating in demonstrations by all. Rounding off the days training saw yudansha kata being performed, revision and open floor activities before the official closing and bowing out.

Again we reiterate the focus, willingness to learn and the enjoyment of the Koshinkai Karateka, making this all worthwhile. The Instructors feed off the enthusiasm of the students completing the positive circle of training. Well done to all and congratulations to everyone.

Next years National Camp is already booked in for the 28th-30th April 2016 at the same venue in Coffs Harbour, so make sure you put this in your calendar, its’ too good to miss.

PS, photos will follow so please stay tuned